Who has the most double-doubles in NBA history? A list ranking the all-time career leaders

A double-double is a term used to describe a player recording 10 or more in two of the five main statistical categories in a game: points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. This statistic shows how effective a player is in contributing to the team’s overall performance. In this article, basketscores.com answers the question: Who has the most double-doubles in NBA history?

Who has the most double-doubles in NBA history?

In reality, determining who has the most double-doubles in NBA history has some difficulties, as the NBA only began publishing accurate electronic data from the 1983/84 season. If older records are included, Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the most double-doubles in NBA history with 968, achieved over 14 seasons in 92% of his games.

He also recorded remarkable numbers, including a 40-point, 40-rebound double-double, which he achieved eight times - a record no other NBA player has matched. This performance was largely due to his physical advantages compared to other players in the 1960s, standing at 2.16 meters tall.

However, based on modern recorded statistics, Tim Duncan leads the NBA with 841 double-doubles. He maintained this level for 19 seasons (1997 to 2016), all with the San Antonio Spurs. He also holds the record for the most double-doubles in the playoffs with 164.

Duncan nearly recorded a quadruple-double in the NBA Finals, in Game 6 against the New Jersey Nets. He is widely regarded as a model professional, rarely suffering serious injuries and maintaining a high level of performance until the age of 40.

Players with the most double-doubles in NBA history

The following players are ranked based on modern recorded statistics.

2. Karl Malone (1,476 games, 814 double-doubles)

Next is Karl Malone, another player with an outstanding record. Over 19 seasons, Malone averaged 25.0 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, meaning he recorded a double-double in a large number of his games. His peak season was 1987/88, when he recorded 62 double-doubles.

Malone was known for his physical strength, considered among the best for a power forward in NBA history. He rarely suffered injuries and consistently performed at a high level. His main strength was scoring, while Duncan was stronger defensively. Malone currently ranks third on the all-time scoring list with 36,928 points, behind LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

3. Hakeem Olajuwon (1,238 games, 775 double-doubles)

Below Malone is Hakeem Olajuwon, known for his excellent defensive statistics. He could record double-doubles in different ways, such as points and blocks or rebounds and blocks. He currently holds the all-time record for blocks with 3,830. He is also one of the few players in history to record at least five in all five categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks) in a single game, achieving this six times.

His 775 double-doubles are even more impressive because he played during a strong era for centers, competing against players like Shaquille O'Neal, Patrick Ewing, and David Robinson. Olajuwon’s main strength was his famous “Dream Shake” footwork, which helped him create space with spins and precise finishes. Many players continue to study this move today.

4. Dwight Howard (1,242 games, 748 double-doubles)

In the 2000s, Dwight Howard was considered one of the top defensive players in the league. Many of his double-doubles came from rebounds. He led the NBA in rebounds five times and averaged as many as 14 rebounds per game in some seasons. He won the Defensive Player of the Year award three consecutive times from 2009 to 2011.

Howard’s strengths were his jumping ability and long reach. He could leap high for dunks and dominate the boards. His physical build made him very difficult to stop under the basket. He was one of the few players able to physically compete with Shaquille O'Neal.

5. Kevin Garnett (1,462 games, 742 double-doubles)

Kevin Garnett stood out for his versatility and endurance across 21 NBA seasons, including 12 years with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He holds many franchise records for the team, including double-doubles. In some seasons, he averaged 24.2 points and 13.9 rebounds per game.

Unlike many others on this list, Garnett’s strength was his all-around game. He is the only player in NBA history with at least 25,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 5,000 assists, 1,500 steals, and 1,500 blocks. He was also one of the rare players drafted directly from high school into the NBA. His long-term consistency proved his value throughout his career.

Top 10 most double-doubles in NBA history (modern era)

1. Tim Duncan (1,392 games, 841 double-doubles)

2. Karl Malone (1,476 games, 814 double-doubles)

3. Hakeem Olajuwon (1,238 games, 775 double-doubles)

4. Dwight Howard (1,242 games, 748 double-doubles)

5. Kevin Garnett (1,462 games, 742 double-doubles)

6. Shaquille O'Neal (1,207 games, 727 double-doubles)

7. John Stockton (1,504 games, 714 double-doubles)

8. Charles Barkley (1,073 games, 710 double-doubles)

9. LeBron James (1,604 games, 616 double-doubles)

10. Nikola Vučević (1,030 games, 582 double-doubles)

Basketball Scores just answered the question: Who has the most double-doubles in NBA history? For the latest basketball results, please click on our link.